Subject Information
The OCR A Level in English Literature (H472) is designed for students who are passionate about exploring a diverse range of texts. Through this qualification, you’ll engage with poetry, prose, and drama, honing your ability to critically analyse literature and develop independent interpretations. This course encourages both creative and analytical responses to literature, as you explore how texts are shaped by their cultural and historical contexts.
Course Details
In this A Level, you will study a wide variety of literary genres and texts, including works from before and after 1900, and from different literary movements. The course is divided into three components:
- Component 01: Drama and Poetry Pre-1900 (40%)
You will study one Shakespeare play (e.g., Hamlet or The Tempest), one pre-1900 drama text, and one pre-1900 poetry text. The exam will require you to analyze these texts in depth, exploring their language, themes, and context. - Component 02: Comparative and Contextual Study (40%)
This component focuses on comparing texts from your chosen topic area, exploring their thematic connections and how different contexts influence their meanings. - Component 03: Literature Post-1900 (20%)
You will complete a non-exam assessment where you choose either a close reading or re-creative writing task, accompanied by a commentary. Additionally, you’ll write a comparative essay on a post-1900 text, demonstrating your ability to analyse modern literature in detail.
Throughout the course, you will be expected to demonstrate critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to make connections between different texts and their contexts. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose some of your own texts for the non-exam assessment, allowing you to shape your studies according to your interests
What can I expect beyond the classroom?
- Cross-curricular opportunities with History, Drama and Art
- Academic lectures and seminar sessions
- Visits from guest speakers
- Theatre trips and film screenings
Subject Specific Entry Requirements
- Grade 6 in GCSE English Language / Literature.
Where could English Literature take me?
By studying English Literature you will learn to examine the world around you in a more nuanced, critical and empathetic way by exposing yourself to the stories and histories of different characters and contexts. English Literature is widely recognised by universities and employers alike for having one of the widest ranges of transferrable skills of any subject. English Literature can equip you to pursue further education or a career in a huge range of fields including: publishing, broadcasting, marketing and PR, journalism, law, teaching and politics.
Reading List
Set Texts
In your OCR A Level English Literature (H472) course, you will study a variety of classic and modern texts. Here’s a list of recommended set texts to guide your study:
- Hamlet by William Shakespeare
- A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen
- The Merchant’s Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer
- The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
- Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
- Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
- A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
- The Drowned World by J.G. Ballard
- Memoirs of a Survivor by Doris Lessing
- The Children of Men by P.D. James
- The Road by Cormac McCarthy
- Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
- 1984 by George Orwell
- The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Additional Suggestions for Wider Reading
To deepen your literary understanding, you can explore a broader range of genres and authors that complement the themes and ideas in your set texts. Here are some additional recommendations for wider reading:
Dystopian and Speculative Fiction
- The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood and 1984 by George Orwell offer a critical exploration of totalitarian societies. You might also enjoy:
- “The Dispossessed” by Ursula K. Le Guin – A philosophical exploration of utopia and dystopia, examining the effects of different political systems.
- “Brave New World Revisited” by Aldous Huxley – This is a non-fiction follow-up to Brave New World, where Huxley reflects on the themes of his novel in the context of contemporary society.
- “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy – A stark, poetic look at survival in a post-apocalyptic world.
Literary Fiction and Modern Classics
- “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger – A classic coming-of-age novel that explores themes of alienation and rebellion.
- “Beloved” by Toni Morrison – A powerful exploration of memory, trauma, and the legacy of slavery.
- “The Stranger” by Albert Camus – A philosophical novel that explores existentialism, the absurd, and meaninglessness.
Poetry and Drama
- “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot – A dense and complex modernist poem that requires close reading and reflection on its themes of fragmentation, disillusionment, and despair.
- “Waiting for Godot” by Samuel Beckett – A cornerstone of absurdist theatre that challenges traditional narrative structures and the meaning of existence.
Additional Magazines and Journals for Literary Exploration
Engaging with literary magazines can enhance your understanding of contemporary debates and developments in literature. Here are some more suggestions beyond The Times Literary Supplement:
- The New Yorker
Known for its in-depth essays and reviews of both contemporary and classic literature, The New Yorker often publishes critical analyses of books, plays, and poetry. - Granta
A renowned literary magazine that publishes contemporary fiction, memoirs, and essays, often showcasing new voices and innovative writing styles. - The Paris Review
A prestigious journal focusing on fiction, poetry, and interviews with prominent writers. The Paris Review is an excellent resource for readers interested in both modern literature and the creative process. - Literary Review
A UK-based magazine that features critical reviews of both contemporary and classic works, as well as interviews with authors. - Poets & Writers
A literary journal that offers insightful articles on the world of writing, publishing, and contemporary poetry.
Engaging with a variety of these sources will help you stay connected to the current literary landscape, offering both critical perspectives and broader insights into your study of English Literature.
